Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is diced chicken and crispy bacon tossed with pasta in a ranch-seasoned cheddar-Parmesan cream sauce, ready in about 30 minutes. Cooking the bacon first and setting it aside, then searing the chicken in the same skillet, means the chicken picks up rendered bacon fat as it cooks instead of using plain oil alone.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté diced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper until golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and bacon. Toss until everything is coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- • Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra greens.
- • Great for meal prep—keeps well for 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 1/2 cups
- Calories
- 720
- Sugar
- 3g
- Sodium
- 840mg
- Fat
- 45g
- Saturated Fat
- 22g
- Unsaturated Fat
- 18g
- Trans Fat
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fiber
- 2g
- Protein
- 32g
- Cholesterol
- 130mg
Why the bacon is cooked before the chicken
- Cooking the bacon until crispy before the chicken, as the instructions specify, leaves behind rendered fat in the pan that seasons the chicken as it sears - skipping this step would mean starting from a plain, unseasoned pan.
- Stirring the ranch seasoning packet directly onto the chicken before adding liquid, rather than into the finished sauce, lets the seasoning toast slightly in the pan and distribute more evenly.
How to keep the sauce from going greasy
- Sear the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper first, as the recipe specifies, before adding the ranch seasoning, so the chicken itself is seasoned and not just the sauce around it.
- Add the cheese only after the cream and broth are simmering, stirring until melted, rather than dumping it in cold, which is more likely to leave streaks instead of a smooth sauce.
Troubleshooting
The bacon isn't as crispy as expected once mixed into the pasta.
Bacon softens when tossed into a hot, moist sauce. For extra crunch, reserve a portion of the cooked bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving instead of mixing all of it in.
The sauce looks greasy.
This can happen if a lot of bacon fat carried over into the sauce along with the olive oil. Spoon off excess fat from the pan before adding the cream and broth next time.
Sauce turns out too thin.
a quick troubleshooting tip is to simmer it a few minutes longer to reduce and thicken.
The recipe's own notes say this keeps well for about 3 days. Refrigerate promptly in a covered container and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
The recipe's own notes suggest steamed broccoli or spinach alongside for extra greens.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare components separately and store in the refrigerator. Make the sauce fresh when ready to serve, then combine everything for the best taste and texture.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Medium shapes that hold sauce well are ideal – rotini, penne, farfalle, or cavatappi all work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works great for a lighter option, though you might want to add a touch of olive oil when cooking it for extra richness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free. The creaminess and flavor will remain delicious!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta?
Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream, stirring occasionally until heated through for the best creamy texture.
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